Determinants of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Usage Among Ophthalmic Patients of Selected Hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Traditional and complementary medicine has been practiced since time immemorial, with perceived social, cultural, economic, and historical influences on its use. This practice has been viewed with mixed feelings by healthcare professionals as most have reservations about such products, their safety, quality, and effectiveness. Considering the value that people place on their eyes, they do not mind using any product for maintaining good eye health and treatment of eye diseases. Aim: The objective of this study was to appraise the determinants of Traditional and complementary medicine usage among ophthalmic patients in selected hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two selected hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria. Four hundred and forty respondents were purposively sampled, and data was collected by using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 computer software. Results: All the respondents use spiritual therapy, followed by herbs or herbal extracts (69.3%). Urine or animal waste (5.5%) is the least used Traditional and complementary medicine. The respondents use Traditional and complementary medicine because of its affordability (76.6%), availability (75.7%), accessibility (73%), and lack of trust in orthodox medicine (15%). There was a significant relationship between the sociodemographic variables (gender, age, religion, level of education, occupation, and marital status) and the choice of Traditional and complementary medicine used by the residents in the study area (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The study concluded that the Ophthalmic patients in the study area still use Traditional and Complementary medicine. The most practiced traditional and complementary medicine is spiritual therapy, irrespective of religion, gender, and age. Healthcare workers must recognize the pattern of Traditional and Complementary usage among their patients, explore what their patients are using, why they are using it, and be willing to guide them appropriately to promote their eye health.